Don’t get burned; grill safely this summer

Safety, grilling, and community involvement are all things the Pantex Fire Department take seriously. Members grill at local events throughout the year to show people that Pantex is part of the community and to build trust and rapport. Battalion Fire Chief Jeremy Baker says he always puts safety first while representing the site grilling food at events.

“This past year our team cooked in the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Good Times BBQ Cook-Off and the Together We Can Food Drive kickoff,” Baker said. “It’s good to do these events because it allows us to serve as ambassadors for Pantex. Our team does a great job at cooking brisket, steaks, and pulled pork, but ribs are usually the first thing that we run out of.”

Preparation is the easiest way to ensure safety when cooking out in the community or at home. Before firing up the grill, ensure it is not placed under a patio roof, has adequate clearance from structures, and has good ventilation. Baker notes it’s also important to properly maintain your appliances.

“The grill should be cleaned regularly to ensure a buildup of grease does not lead to a fire,” Baker said. “Grease often becomes aerosolized when cooking and can cause a buildup on the walls of a house if there is not at least a 10-foot space between the grill and the house. This grease buildup can ignite. It’s important that you inspect your fire extinguisher and grill prior to each grilling session.”

The National Fire Protection Association says an average of 22,155 patients per year go to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills. Safety & Industrial Hygiene Specialist Whitney Adams says safety outside of work is just as important as safety on site because, regardless of where you’re injured, it can impact your entire life.

“From the ability to spend time with your family, take care of yourself and your family, how you’re able to perform your job, or even your ability to come to work,” Adams said. “Statistically, people are more likely to be injured at home with one of the most common injuries being burns.”

Adams explains that burns or injuries from unsafe grilling at home can affect your job by potentially causing missed work due to the injury, temporary or permanent physical impairments that interfere with the ability to perform job tasks, and stamina to perform the same tasks as before the injury.

Before you fire up your grill, put precautions into place to keep yourself and others safe. Chief Baker shares tips:

• Check the gas tank on propane grills for leaks before using it for the first time this season. You can do this by applying soapy water from a spray bottle, applied from the connection at the tank along the hose to the connection at the grill. Then, turn on the tank and watch for bubbles to form
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease buildup from the grates and in trays below the grill
• Place the grill well away from your home, deck railings, and out from under eves and overhanging branches
• Always make sure the lid is open before lighting the grill
• If you choose to use starter fluid while charcoal grilling, only use charcoal lighter fluid. Do not add lighter fluid after the fire is lit. When you finish grilling, let the coals cool completely and place them in a metal container with a lid
• Never leave the grill unattended and keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area

If there is a fire, try not to panic. Get a fire extinguisher and try to quickly extinguish the fire. If you are unable to extinguish the fire, make sure everyone is out of affected houses or nearby structures and call 9-1-1.

Grilling is a great way to make delicious food, spend time outdoors, and build community. Put safety first to prevent fires and make grilling a positive experience for everyone involved.